EU communication

Management of copyright and related rights

The European Commission have published a communication (COM(2004)261) which foreshadows a legislative proposal in the area of collective rights management and in particular on the governance of copyright collecting societies. In an associated letter and press notice, the Commission ask for comments on the course of action proposed in the Communication. We understand that many UK interest groups have received these documents direct or via European umbrella groups, but the Communication and press release can also be accessed on the Europa website .

The open letter from the Commission (12Kb) is also available to view.

The Commission have set a deadline of 21 June 2004.

The Communication also discusses individual rights management, digital rights management systems and Community-wide licensing but, for these aspects, there is no suggestion that any further legislation is necessary at Community level.